JESSICA Ngo will shine in Sunday's Cabramatta Moon Festival as she takes on the role of the Moon Goddess.

The Cabramatta resident will dress up in an elaborate costume when she makes her debut at the festival.

The Vietnamese community say the Moon Goddess comes out when the moon is at its fullest.

She is said to bring luck, good health and beautiful things to people, especially to children.

Ms Ngo will lead the children's lantern parade, which will start at 5.05pm on the day.

Walking beside her will be a man dressed as an archer who, legend has it, protects the Moon Goddess.

Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone said many cultures shared in the joy of the festival and each had its own unique legend associated with it.

"The common theme of most legends is of a beautiful woman, banished to the Moon where she lives for eternity," he said. "It's said that the moon goddess can be seen during the week that the Moon Festival is celebrated.

"The lanterns carried by children during the festival are a reminder of the Moon Goddess watching over us all."

Every year across South-east Asia, millions of people celebrate the Moon Festival in early September.

It's said that on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, the moon shines at its brightest and goddess can be seen.